Monthly Archives: December 2025

TIME DOES FLY

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Happy New Year! 

In my younger years I often heard my “elders” declare  with each passing year that common phrase “my, how time flies”. I honestly didn’t give much attention to that thought, until now. I “get it”. Passage of time since our own children entered adulthood seems to have caught me up in this  perceived acceleration of time. Maybe I can credit this due to a lightened schedule–no full time work requiring me to report to five days a week, parenting of small children behind me now, less bills to pay.

Sitting here on a very cold day I can’t help but reflect on the past year. It truly seems like yesterday when I drove north in the month of April to enjoy a four day sabbatical. Except for a few times when my husband was away for a weekend, I hadn’t been truly “alone” since my mid 20s when I lived in an apartment with no roommate. Last April, warmer days teased  us with opportunities to be outdoors, heavy coats no longer necessary, promises of sunshine on our faces overpowering the previous weeks of cloudy wintry weeks.

The opportunity to be alone for four days taught me a lot. I learned that I am fully capable of taking care of myself. Awkward at first, with no one to talk to, I grew comfortable in silence.  I let the natural rhythm of sunrises and sunsets dictate my schedule, not relying on a clock. With the exception of using my phone for assisting me with scripture reading or watching a movie, there was no noise in my northern habitat  from TV or radio. What a wonderful break from outside interference!

On two occasions I stepped out of my comfort zone–no pun intended–and ventured on two hikes on trails near where I was staying. I’ve been on hiking trails before, with friends, but this time in April I was alone. My only company was April’s cool breezes, wind in the trees, and the sound of crunching leaves under my feet, accompanied by my increased breathing as I pushed my body to new limits navigating each trail. Though I was apprehensive at first, being alone in the woods, any fear I initially embraced soon waned, making room for excitement and exhilaration at achieving a bucket list goal–go on a hike without anyone else tagging along. 

As much as I thought I was alone though, in reality I was not. The entire purpose for getting away for a few days was to allow me time to dive deeper into scripture, spend uninterrupted stretches of time listening and talking to God. Each morning gave me well over an hour–even two–accomplishing this desire, yet I found that during  both hikes in the woods God continued to speak, be present, and reveal Himself to me, reminding me that I am truly “never alone”.  What a gift, what a promise!

As 2026 has arrived, it is hard for me to comprehend that soon it will be a year since my sabbatical. Thankfully, the memories I created from my four days are journaled in a book set aside for just that time. Hopefully, I’ll be able to create a few days in this new year to embrace another stretch of time alone, get out pen, paper, Bible, and notebook to dig a little deeper into scripture that is alive by the power of the Holy Spirit, who still teaches and speaks new things from generation to generation.

Yes, I will agree that “time flies” as one gets older. And, I’m okay with that because God “is the same, yesterday, and tomorrow.”  (Paraphrase from Hebrew 13:8) He’s the One who exists outside time as we humans know it; He’s the One Who will sometimes speak in a still quiet voice whether we find ourselves on a winding hiking trail or sitting under a cozy blanket as the sun rises, giving us the promise of a new day with “new mercies every morning” (Lamentations 3: 22-23).

I’m ready for what 2026 holds. I’m excited to look back next year and see where God showed up, how He spoke, what He taught–not only for me–but everyone I love, and for our community!

RESOLVE ‘NOT’ TO RESOLVE

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Well, we’ve come to the time of our year when all major holidays are behind us. Christmas decorations will remain in place for a few more days, the anticipation of what’s inside wrapping and stockings has worn off. Bags of trash created from the frenzy of opening beautifully wrapped packages along with remnants from many dinners fill our waste cans or spill over in garbage containers waiting for the next pickup. As excitement over gifts begins to wane, many of us turn our thoughts now to a new year soon approaching, one last flip of the calendar. Ah, 2025–with all its wins and losses small and big–is behind us as we welcome 2026 in a matter of a few days. 

In many households indulging in favorite holiday foods and candy will be replaced with dieting ideas, returning to a somewhat normalcy in daily meals. Some of us will welcome January 1st by making a list of “new year’s resolutions”. Each stroke of our pen brings with them a promise to “stay the course” and not “break” our simple oaths that we make to ourselves.

Just where did making resolutions in the new year originate? If you’re like me, I often wonder the “why” behind practices that people adopt over years. It’s one thing to be committed to taking on a challenge, it’s another to understand the why behind it.

A quick search online showed me that resolutions began about 4,000 years ago in the Babylonian culture. These ancient people made oaths to their “gods” in order to gain favor. Part of their ritual was a commitment to pay off all debt and return items that had been borrowed. What a novel idea!

Now, we make promises to eat better, exercise more, drink more water….our self made goals seem to focus on “self”, the physical aspect of our bodies versus our minds and hearts. While that’s a genuine goal, what if God desires something different than a fit and beautiful toned body? What if He would have us choose to develop and transform our minds and hearts that lean towards Him?

2 Corinthians 10: 5 says  the “We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” (New Living Translation) True to my nature, comparing different versions of scripture, I like how the Common Jewish Bible states this verse: And every arrogance that raises itself up against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey the Messiah.” Both versions make me say “ouch”, not because the words hurt me physically but rather the strong directives given to me by a loving yet righteous God.

I gave up making resolutions in the new year long ago. Why? Because I’m a failure. The month of January often looks successful in many ways for me until my old habits creep back, luring me into comfort instead of diligence. When I always try to “lean on my own understanding and will power”, I lose my ambitions. This is why I need God. I need Holy Spirit to spur me on much like a sideline coach. I need the words from Galatians 6: 9: “So let us not grow weary of doing what is good; for if we don’t give up, we will in time reap the harvest”. (Common Jewish Bible) The New Living Translation says “we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

As Christians, we are called to rely on our Father, Who is the One and Only, the King of Kings, a God who told us over 4,000 years ago to “have no other gods before Him.” Man has been pretty good at creating other gods, then finding ways to appease and plead for earthly comforts, thus the example of the Babylonians giving us the idea to make new yearly promises to escape hardship. God’s version of living “with” hardships that are not withheld from our lives is the gift of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace who comforts all who mourn. He’s a Mighty Counselor guiding us how to resolve conflict in relationships. He’s Jehovah Jireh, the one who provides. He’s much much more.

So, as we close out 2025 I invite you to throw out the idea of making “new year’s resolutions”. May I suggest that you pick up pen and paper, find a comfortable spot and make a list of all the things you’re grateful for this past year. Then ask God “how can I know You better? What kind of good things can I do to help reap harvests in our families? In our community?”

I promise you that answers will come. God WILL speak to you by the power of His Holy Spirit. If we as true followers of Christ listen, obey, and act…well, think of the blessings that will be poured out on our families and this town we lovingly call “the ‘Ville’”. That’s a harvest I can get excited about!

JESUS, THE PERFECT GIFT

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In a recent devotion I read this Advent season, the author asked us readers to close our eyes and think about a memorable gift we received at Christmas. We were asked to go as far back into our childhood for possible images. While I thought I might remember one, I actually thought of two gifts at different times in my life.

I admit the first gift I thought of was my Barbie Dream House. I would have been about 8 years old or so. It was the first one on the market, green, compared to pink versions that came along later.  The house opened up with walls, and inside she had a living room, bedroom, all the rooms in a home. There were small storage spaces for her accessories. A carry handle allowed me to lug it wherever,  even to a friend’s home where we combined our Barbie accessories for hours of play.

I also remember when I was 11 or 12, my brother Mark bought me a pair of ice skates. He had taken on a paper route that year so he was floating in money! I wore those skates well into my late teens as I was fortunate my feet had stopped growing. I brought them with me to Fowlerville when we moved here in 1989 but sadly, the skating opportunities here weren’t the same as my hometown Saginaw.

Another gift that had a tremendous impact was actually one my father gave to my mom. Her parents both died well before my birth. We had our share of snapshots of them that were stashed away, but dad was able to borrow their formal portraits from a cousin, had them professionally duplicated and gifted them to mom. This was in 1979. By then, I was 25, had my own apartment and to make Christmas special that year, I slept at my childhood home Christmas Eve so I could wake up in the morning as a “little kid” so-to-speak. That Christmas was probably one of my favorites until our children came along, making celebrations through their childhood years fun and memorable. Now we have four grandchildren which absolutely brings about more merriment, laughter, and memories.

Christmas 2025 is but a few days away as I write this. Our home is ready. Decorations have been in place for a couple of weeks. Gifts are wrapped–well, all but a mere few. Chex Mix has been made–and enjoyed–for a week. Almost time for another batch!

As I’ve been out on my errands, I have to admit it’s rather sad there’s not much evidence of Christmas in some of our public spaces. I fear that being politically correct has stripped away former years of beautiful decorations and Christmas music in the background. I’m thankful, though, for the beauty of our downtown streets with lights, garland, and yes–even a tree that has a slight lean. While there’s been those who wondered why the village couldn’t do better, I beg to differ. There’s beauty in imperfection and I think a tree that has a slight lean to its stature is a good reminder we are all imperfect people in one way or another! Afterall, it’s our great imperfections–our sinful lives–that caused God to have a plan of salvation in place to redeem mankind. We need not look too far to realize that our world is ever changing–some for good and much towards evil. 

Furthermore, I think our current world climate exemplifies words spoken from the prophet Isaiah in Chapter 5: “They say that what is right is wrong and what is wrong is right; that black is white and white is black; bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.” (Living Translation)

It’s my humble opinion that much of our culture is upside down and most of what I call “common sense” has been exchanged for worry over offending someone. While common courtesy and kindness should never be excluded from how we treat others, there is also a responsibility to understand God, His purpose and plan for sending His Son to save all of us. This is why Christmas is important. Although December may not be the actual birth month for Christ’s arrival on earth, we celebrate because He CAME to dwell among us. And, sure, there weren’t Christmas lights, trees, Santas, reindeer–all the trimmings you and I adorn our homes–but there were angels, shepherds, and a star. The latter are now woven into some decor. Some homes even set up nativity scenes, another rarity in our culture as blow up snowmen, santas, elves–even dinosaurs–adorn front lawns.

This Christmas, close your eyes and think about the best gift you ever received. A favorite toy, a pair of skates, precious photographs–those hold special memories for me, yet they pale in comparison to me realizing I was a sinner in need of a saviour. THAT gift, given to me over 2,000 years ago, is mine now. I opened my heart to God’s gift in 1979 and it’s one that isn’t old, remains undamaged, not stored away, but hopefully shines brightly in my life as I live and breathe through each day I’m blessed to be share with family and friends.

Merry Christmas 2025!

SNOW ANGELS, JOY & DELIGHT

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Ah, fresh snow. That’s what I’m enjoying seeing outside my window as flakes large and small fall, making piles on the ground, covering plants that have long died to summer’s heat and beauty. My mind wanders to all the activities that a good snowfall offers, having read on social media last evening that a friend tried snowboarding for the first time which is quite a feat considering she’s now 40. I actually did the same thing at that age, only it was the smaller hill by Torch 180 and admittedly, although it was great fun, I went down quickly on my behind. I haven’t attempted snowboarding since.

When was the last time you made a snow angel? This simple act of artwork in freshly fallen snow is a favorite among children and well, I have a dear friend very close to my ripe age of 72, who keeps the beauty of snow angels alive. We refer to it each winter as “our own personal challenge”. There’s no pressure to get outside to participate, however, we are required to give “proof of life” by snapping a picture and texting it to one another on our phones. How fun is that! 

Lisa and I are both pursuing living the older portion of our lives without losing our inner child joy. Even though getting down on snow covered ground to make our angel is more difficult than our fond childhood years, we do it. We giggle. We feel each other’s pain when it’s time to get up, trying to do so with as much grace as achy and tight joints allow. As much clumsiness is involved, the end result of feeling joy and laughter on an otherwise ordinary wintry day is worth all the struggles within our effort.

Joy and delight. I read those words in my devotion this Wednesday morning after hearing from Lisa. “Hey, have you made your snow angel yet?”  They’re found in Luke Chapter 1 when an “angel of the Lord” visited Zechariah during his priestly duties to announce that he and wife Elizabeth–in their old age!–would welcome a son, commanding him to name the babe John…”he will be a joy and a delight to you”. What a beautiful description and promise! Wouldn’t all of us as parents love to have a personal word spoken over our babies yet to be born? Actually, we do have a way to speak loving and powerful words over our children!

Proverbs 18: 21 is perfect guidance for us…”the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit”.

I’ve been around some awesome parents who truly encourage and love their children, choosing their words very carefully. Unfortunately, I’ve also witnessed firsthand those who are very harsh with their children, screaming and using obscene language when making minor corrections to behavior. The latter breaks my heart every time. Expanding on the author’s words found in the proverb, later James wrote to us in scripture: “And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right”. (New Living Translation)

Snow angels are fun. Messages directly from God’s angel to Zechariah–or anyone for that matter–are powerful and should never be dismissed or go unnoticed.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were old, far beyond childbearing years. But God. There was a plan written long before they were born. From their old age, from their faithful prayers asking for a child, God used their barren years to produce a miracle named John, who indeed brought them much “joy and delight”. More importantly,  John was also considered as “great in the sight of God” and as a man became His messenger who would prepare the Jewish people for the arrival of the Messiah, taking his rightful place announcing the earthly ministry of his cousin, Jesus.

As we think about Christ’s birth that we will celebrate in a couple of weeks, my challenge is this. First, have a little bit of fun and make a snow angel. If you’ve got kids, do it as a family. Second, read about John in Luke chapter 1. Third, be a blessing to your children–and others– by speaking words of “life” and “love” over them every chance you get. 

Words have power. They speak of life, creation, destruction, even death. Jesus’ words brought healing and His teachings show us how to be encouraging and gracious not only to our family but everyone we meet throughout our day. May we all strive to be examples of  “joy and delight” in our homes, workplaces, and community!

FROM SIMPLE TO EVERLASTING

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What does a clothes hanger bent in the shape of a circle and small strips of green and red tissue paper have in common?

Reflecting back on a Christmas season in my fifth grade class, where art projects were created under the guidance of our primary teacher, this particular year Miss McKenzie taught us how to make a simple–and by no means elegant–Christmas wreath. 

I’m pretty sure each one of us kids in her classroom provided our own coat hanger. As was custom in her class, every Friday afternoon was dedicated to art. This meant that when we returned from lunch break, we had about two glorious hours to focus on working with our hands to create art projects that came alive using simple materials.

Making our wreath involved twisting and shaping our wire clothes hanger into a good circle–no wood or plastic ones would host this project! Layers and layers of red and green tissue paper were then gently torn or crudely cut to form strips of paper that we twisted around the wire, pushing each strip close to its neighbor until the entire circle was full. Then, we checked our final work, fluffing and adjusting each strip where necessary. Ribbon to form a bow was provided by our teacher as well, giving our wreath its final touch.

Where did Christmas wreaths originate? If we can trust wikipedia this site says:

The Christmas wreath originated from ancient traditions where circular arrangements of evergreen branches symbolized life and renewal during winter. It became associated with Christmas in the 16th century when Christians in Germany began using wreaths to mark the Advent season, representing eternal life and the promise of Christ’s coming.

One of my daily devotions from this week focused on the words found in Jeremiah 31: 3 where God spoke through this prophet…Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. (New Living Translation)

As I listened to the short reflection from the devotional reader, I learned that our tradition of putting up evergreen trees and hanging a wreath of greens on our front doors symbolizes love and hospitality. In addition, it’s common understanding that a circle is eternal; it has no beginning or ending which depicts God’s love and promises for us perfectly! Evergreen trees represent life, hope, and actually fare well in cold winter months thus reminding us of how our own lives can be resilient under pressures from outward influence and circumstances.

My tissue paper wreath from that long ago year of 1963 is long gone … .I remember taking it home when it was finished and my mom hanging it on our front door. I don’t recall if it survived being packed away with other decor when the holidays ended but I have fond memories that a simply crafted 5th grade art project helped to adorn my childhood home, hopefully letting all who entered know they were welcomed and much loved.

Now, in my own home, we have a beautiful lighted wreath that we display every year. It’s too large for the front door but absolutely beautiful hanging on the front of the house near the living room window. My hope is that passersby enjoy the beauty of its glow in night skies and all who enter our home feel welcomed and loved, enjoying hospitality blanketed under the beauty of the Advent season.

As much as I love having our modern wreath I admit a bit of melancholy emotions rise inside me as I think back how my simple 5th grade tissue paper wreath didn’t survive from year to year, yet as it eventually made its way to being discarded, the memories still linger and fill my heart with great joy.

Kind of what Jeremiah said about God’s love. Everlasting.